Paramount+Lawmen: Bass Reeves (2023)
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Progressive
Viewer Rating
Rating: 7.2
Overview
The story of Bass Reeves, the legendary lawman of the wild West, is brought to life. Reeves worked in the post-Reconstruction era as a federal peace officer in the Indian Territory, capturing over 3,000 of the most dangerous criminals without ever being wounded—and is believed to be the inspiration for The Lone Ranger.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Paramount+
Apple TV
Google PlayBias Dimensions
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
Race Swap: Yes
Christianity: Positive
Overview
The story of Bass Reeves, the legendary lawman of the wild West, is brought to life. Reeves worked in the post-Reconstruction era as a federal peace officer in the Indian Territory, capturing over 3,000 of the most dangerous criminals without ever being wounded—and is believed to be the inspiration for The Lone Ranger.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Paramount+Apple TVGoogle PlayDetailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Progressive
Primary
The film leans left by confronting historical racism and celebrating Black agency and heroism, aligning with progressive values of social justice and historical recognition, yet it offers an individualistic solution within a flawed system rather than a radical systemic critique.
The series foregrounds significant diversity by centering the true story of Bass Reeves, one of the first Black U.S. Deputy Marshals, and features prominent Black and Native American actors. It offers a more inclusive perspective on the Old West, although its portrayal of systemic racism is noted as being less explicit, focusing more on the protagonist's personal journey.
Secondary
Esau Pierce, a character identified as a Cherokee leader, is portrayed by white actor Barry Pepper. This constitutes a race swap for a character whose historical and canonical identity is Native American.
The series portrays Bass Reeves' Christian faith as a fundamental and positive influence on his moral compass, sense of justice, and merciful actions as a lawman. The narrative emphasizes how his beliefs guide his pursuit of equality and divine justice.
Lawmen: Bass Reeves does not include LGBTQ representation as part of its narrative or thematic focus. The series, a historical Western drama, centers on Bass Reeves' life, struggles with racial injustice, and family dynamics, without depicting any explicit LGBTQ characters, storylines, or themes.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
The main and recurring characters in Lawmen: Bass Reeves, including Bass Reeves, Jennie Reeves, and Sally Reeves, are portrayed with genders consistent with their historical or canonical identities. No characters have an on-screen gender that differs from their established gender in the source material or historical record.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
7.2
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
User Ratings
7.3
7.2
Critic Ratings
7.9
6.6
More Like This
Progressive
8.2
Selma
(2014)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
Leans Progressive
7.0
Les Misérables
(2012)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Low
Center
7.4
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
(1916)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Low
Leans Progressive
6.7
Vice
(2018)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Neutral
Leans Progressive
8.4
The Holdovers
(2023)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Neutral
Leans Progressive
6.6
Tortilla Soup
(2001)
Political: Center
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
8.4
The Last of the Curlews
(1972)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
6.7
Titan: The OceanGate Submersible Disaster
(2025)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Moderate
Progressive
7.2
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
(1967)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
Leans Progressive
7.2
THX 1138
(1971)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
7.7
The Hours
(2002)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
7.4
Invictus
(2009)
Political: Center
Diversity: High
Leans Progressive
8.0
The Imitation Game
(2014)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Progressive
7.6
Torch Song Trilogy
(1988)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Progressive
7.6
Pleasantville
(1998)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
7.1
Diary of a Mad Housewife
(1970)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
7.9
Good Night, and Good Luck.
(2005)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Low
Leans Progressive
7.6
King Kong
(2005)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Moderate
Progressive
7.3
Fried Green Tomatoes
(1991)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Progressive
6.8
Candyman
(1992)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High